Final decision time, Felt f65x and Specialized Crux Disc Apex

Spent a lot of time reading this forum and others on which Cyclocross bike to pick up (~$2k with disc brakes) and narrowed it down to either the Felt F65X and Specialized Crux Apex Disc, now I'm having problems deciding on which one to commit to. I can get the Specialized for $1850 and the Felt for $1750 (with BB7 brakes) so price is essentially the same, I've ridden the Specialized (56cm) and it felt great but no place w/in 100mi carries the Felt so I have to special order it (57cm). They both seem to have about the same level of components (once you put BB7's on the F65X).

Right now I'm leaning towards the Felt partially because I like the look of it more but also because it appears to be about 1lb lighter, around 20.1lbs for a 57cm vs 21-22lbs for the Specialized at 56cm. Is there anything I'm missing between the two that makes the Specialized obviously the better choice?

Either way I'll likely be replacing the bars and getting a second wheelset.

Spent a lot of time reading this forum and others on which Cyclocross bike to pick up (~$2k with disc brakes) and narrowed it down to either the Felt F65X and Specialized Crux Apex Disc, now I'm having problems deciding on which one to commit to. I can get the Specialized for $1850 and the Felt for $1750 (with BB7 brakes) so price is essentially the same, I've ridden the Specialized (56cm) and it felt great but no place w/in 100mi carries the Felt so I have to special order it (57cm). They both seem to have about the same level of components (once you put BB7's on the F65X).

Right now I'm leaning towards the Felt partially because I like the look of it more but also because it appears to be about 1lb lighter, around 20.1lbs for a 57cm vs 21-22lbs for the Specialized at 56cm. Is there anything I'm missing between the two that makes the Specialized obviously the better choice?

Either way I'll likely be replacing the bars and getting a second wheelset.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by fietsbob

The after sale service being a 100 mile RT doesn't seem like an attractive feature.

He is talking about the Felt. If the closest LBS is 50 miles away, that's quite a way to travel to get the warranty service covered.

Originally Posted by Xerum 525

Now get on your cheap bike and give me a double century. You walking can of Crisco!!

Personally if you have test ridden the specialized and like it I would say go with that. I personally am also looking at cx bikes and have test rode the specialized, a gaint, a fuji, a cannondale, and the specialized tricross (not a true cx but close). I personally could feel a huge difference in how each rode and would be really hesitant to buy the felt without test riding it first. As it sits I personally like the tricross the best with the crux in second and the cannondale in third. SO again a test ride will tell you more about wether or not you will like the bike.

I am actually in the same boat. I have test ridden the crux, and I am waiting for a bike shop to have the felt built up. I should be able to ride it tomorrow evening. However, I am also curious about any comparisons that can be made between these two. I definitely like the look of the felt better as well. If anybody has any insight to what E5 alloy is, I am all ears.

A5 aluminum is just the mix of aluminum they used on that frame; at least as far as I understand. Yea the felt has a better rd but i dont think it will make any difference when shifting (it only cost 5-10 dollars more than the apex rd). Being able to use the bike as a commuter (having racks and/or fenders) is something I also am interested in and sadly the crux doesnt seem to be idea for that. The Avid bb7' are supposed to be a fair amount better than the bb5's. I think its worth mentioning that the crux not only has internal routed cables but that they are fully housed. And your right the felt has a much sexier look than the crux. If your interested in using the bike as a commuter as well as a cross bike you may consider the tricross. it has front and rear mounts, and better gearing for commuting 50/34 crank and 11-32 cassette. The bike is still supposed to be tough (that used to be specialized's cross model).

In the end I went w/the Crux because the LBS that carries Felt wanted MSRP ($1750 + $100 to replace BB5's w/BB7's) but the LBS that carries the Specialized already had it discounted ($1899) and was having a ~ 10% off sale ($1709), so the better breaks & frame at a lower price got me

I actually liked the look of the Felt more and that it was about 1LB lighter (the Crux came in at 21.1lbs) but I was going to put different wheels and handlebars on whatever I got so I imagine that'll help level out the weight difference some. Now to get into shape for racing in fall

I actually did the same and just picked up the crux. My LBS had it on sale for 1699. Mine was a 46cm frame and with cheap shimano clipless mtb pedals weighed in at 21.7lbs. Like you I really like the look of the Felt better but I also really like that the crux has the internally routed fully housed cables. After having it for about a week I have put close to 100 miles on it already and absolutely love it and I'm sure you will too.

Interesting price you were able to get on the crux. I went with the felt as I was able to get it for 1650, although I don't think anybody else will be able to get that price anymore. The local bike shop carrying the crux wouldn't budge off their sticker price of 1999, so it became a no brainer. I definitely like the felt as much as the crux when riding. In fact, I do think the felt is a bit more aggressive in position, but it is definitely comfortable. Need a bit more fine tuning in fit. Congrats all on your new bikes!